Last Updated: September 2025
Evidence specialists play a crucial role in the criminal justice system by ensuring the chain of custody for physical evidence is maintained. These forensic professionals ensure that evidence collected from crime scenes maintains its integrity from the time of collection through to courtroom presentation.
Key takeaway:
Evidence specialists earn between $45,560 and $110,710 annually, with a national median of $67,440. Most positions require an associate’s degree in criminal justice or forensic science, plus specialized certification through the IAPE.
Table of Contents
- What Is an Evidence Specialist?
- Evidence Specialist Salary Data (2024)
- Core Responsibilities and Daily Tasks
- Education Requirements
- Professional Certification Through IAPE
- Career Advancement Opportunities
- Job Outlook and Geographic Considerations
- Related Forensic Science Careers
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Key Takeaways
What Is an Evidence Specialist?
An evidence specialist, also known as an evidence technician, evidence custodian, or evidence collector, manages physical evidence throughout the investigative and legal process. These professionals work primarily in law enforcement agencies, crime laboratories, and forensic facilities.
Unlike CSI technicians, who collect evidence at crime scenes, evidence specialists focus on the proper handling, documentation, and storage of evidence after it is collected. They serve as the critical link between crime scene investigators, forensic analysts, and the courtroom.
Evidence specialists maintain the chain of custody, a legal requirement that tracks evidence from collection through trial. Any break in this chain can result in evidence being inadmissible in court, potentially affecting the outcome of the case.
Evidence Specialist Salary Data (2024)
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, forensic science technicians, who include evidence specialists, earn competitive salaries that vary significantly by location and experience level.
National Salary Overview
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $45,560 | $3,797 | $21.90 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,310 | $4,443 | $25.63 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $67,440 | $5,620 | $32.42 |
| 75th Percentile | $88,710 | $7,393 | $42.65 |
| 90th Percentile (Senior Level) | $110,710 | $9,226 | $53.23 |
Top-Paying States for Evidence Specialists
| State | Annual Median Salary | Employment Level | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $96,850 | 3,100 | High |
| New York | $78,170 | 1,120 | High |
| Ohio | $73,310 | 470 | Low |
| Michigan | $69,040 | 690 | Low |
| Virginia | $62,860 | 740 | Medium |
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Forensic Science Technicians reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed September 2025.
Core Responsibilities and Daily Tasks
Evidence specialists handle a diverse range of responsibilities that require meticulous attention to detail and strict adherence to legal protocols. Their work has a direct impact on the integrity of criminal investigations and court proceedings.
Primary Evidence Management Duties
Evidence specialists receive physical evidence from crime scene investigators and law enforcement officers. They verify chain of custody documentation, ensuring all forms are complete and signatures are present. Each piece of evidence requires individual cataloging, photographing, and entry into evidence management systems.
Storage requirements vary by evidence type. Biological samples need refrigeration or freezing, while firearms require secure lockers with restricted access. Evidence specialists must understand these requirements and maintain proper environmental conditions to ensure the integrity of evidence.
Documentation forms the backbone of evidence management. Specialists create detailed records of every interaction, including evidence such as dates, times, personnel involved, and the purpose for access. This documentation becomes crucial during legal proceedings.</
Laboratory Coordination
When investigations require forensic analysis, evidence specialists prepare and submit items to appropriate laboratories. They determine which tests are needed, package evidence according to laboratory specifications, and track submissions through completion.
Effective communication with forensic analysts ensures adherence to proper testing protocols. Evidence specialists often serve as liaisons between investigators and laboratory personnel, clarifying testing requirements and priorities based on the specific needs of each case.
Court Preparation and Testimony
Evidence specialists prepare evidence for courtroom presentation, ensuring all items are properly labeled and organized. They may testify about the chain of custody, storage conditions, and evidence handling procedures.
Their testimony can be critical in establishing the admissibility of evidence. Prosecutors rely on evidence specialists to demonstrate that the evidence remained uncontaminated and properly secured throughout the investigation.</
Administrative Responsibilities
Beyond physical evidence handling, specialists manage various administrative tasks:
- Maintaining evidence room security protocols and access logs
- Ordering supplies for evidence packaging and storage
- Training new personnel on evidence procedures
- Conducting regular audits of evidence inventory
- Coordinating evidence destruction following legal retention periods
- Preparing statistical reports on evidence processing
- Updating evidence management software systems
Education Requirements
Evidence specialist positions typically require formal education in criminal justice or forensic science. Educational requirements vary by agency size and location, with larger departments often requiring higher credentials.
Minimum Educational Standards
Most entry-level positions require an associate’s degree in criminal justice, forensic science, or a related field. These two-year programs provide foundational knowledge in evidence handling, criminal law, and investigative procedures.
Coursework should include classes in criminal evidence, constitutional law, forensic photography, and crime scene processing. Many programs offer specific courses in evidence management and chain of custody procedures.
Preferred Qualifications
Agencies increasingly prefer candidates with bachelor’s degrees, particularly for advancement opportunities. A four-year degree in forensic science provides comprehensive preparation for evidence management roles.
Relevant bachelor’s degree programs include:
- Criminal Justice with a forensic science concentration
- Forensic Science with an evidence management focus
- Chemistry or Biology with a criminal justice minor
- Crime Scene Investigation programs
Specialized Training Programs
Several organizations offer specialized training for evidence specialists. The National Forensic Science Technology Center offers evidence management courses that cover best practices, legal requirements, and quality assurance procedures.
State-specific training may be required. For example, some agencies in Texas may require or recommend certification through the Texas Association of Property and Evidence Inventory Technicians (TAPEIT) within 12 months of employment, though this is not a statewide mandate.
Continuing Education
Evidence handling procedures evolve in response to technological advancements and legal precedents. Ongoing education ensures specialists remain current with industry standards and legal requirements.
Professional development opportunities include workshops on digital evidence management, DNA evidence handling, and updates to legal standards for evidence admissibility.
Professional Certification Through IAPE
The International Association for Property and Evidence, Inc. (IAPE) offers the primary professional certification for evidence specialists. This certification demonstrates expertise and commitment to professional standards.
Certification Options
IAPE offers two certification levels:
Certified Property and Evidence Specialist (CPES): This certification is designed for law enforcement agency personnel who directly handle evidence. It validates knowledge of proper evidence handling procedures, legal requirements, and professional standards.
Corporate Certified Property and Evidence Specialist (CCPES): Designed for private sector evidence handlers, this certification applies to corporate security departments, private investigation firms, and insurance companies.
Certification Requirements
Candidates must meet specific prerequisites before attempting certification:
- Current IAPE membership ($75 annual fee for individuals)
- Completion of IAPE’s Property and Evidence Management Training (40-hour course)
- Minimum one year of full-time experience in property and evidence custody
- Passing score on the certification examination
Examination Details
The online certification exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions based on IAPE Professional Standards. Topics include:
- Chain of custody documentation
- Evidence packaging and preservation
- Legal requirements and court procedures
- Evidence room management and security
- Disposal and auction procedures
- Professional ethics and standards
Candidates have 90 minutes to complete the exam, with a passing score of 80% required. Those who fail may retake the exam after 30 days.
Maintaining Certification
IAPE certification remains valid for five years, provided that membership is maintained and continuing education requirements are completed. Recertification requires 40 hours of approved training during the certification period.
Career Advancement Opportunities
Evidence specialists can advance through various career pathways within forensic science and law enforcement. Experience in evidence management provides valuable skills for multiple roles.
Supervisory Positions
With 3-5 years of experience, evidence specialists often advance to supervisory roles. Evidence room supervisors manage teams of specialists, develop procedures, and ensure compliance with legal standards.
Senior evidence custodians in large agencies may oversee multiple evidence facilities, manage budgets of millions of dollars, and coordinate with multiple law enforcement divisions.
Lateral Career Moves
Evidence management experience provides pathways to related forensic careers:
Crime Scene Investigation: Knowledge of evidence requirements facilitates a smooth transition to crime scene processing roles. Many agencies prefer candidates who understand evidence management when hiring CSI personnel.
Forensic Analysis: Evidence specialists familiar with laboratory procedures may pursue careers as fingerprint analysts or forensic technicians with additional education.
Legal Support: Experience with chain of custody and court procedures qualifies specialists for paralegal positions in prosecutor’s offices or criminal defense firms.
Private Sector Opportunities
Corporate security departments, insurance companies, and private investigation firms employ evidence specialists. These positions often offer higher salaries and regular business hours compared to law enforcement roles.
Consulting opportunities exist for experienced specialists who can help agencies improve evidence management systems or prepare for accreditation inspections.
Job Outlook and Geographic Considerations
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady growth for forensic science technician positions, including evidence specialists. Technological advances in forensic science have increased the complexity of evidence, driving demand for qualified specialists.
Regional Employment Patterns
Employment opportunities vary significantly by region. States with large metropolitan areas typically offer more job opportunities and higher salaries, although competition can be intense.
California leads in both employment numbers (3,100 positions) and salary levels. However, when adjusted for cost of living, states like Ohio and Michigan offer competitive compensation with lower living expenses.
Rural areas may have fewer positions, but they often struggle to find qualified candidates. These locations may offer faster advancement opportunities and broader responsibilities.
Agency Size Considerations
Large agencies typically offer specialized roles where evidence specialists focus solely on evidence management. These positions provide depth of experience and clear advancement paths.
Smaller departments often combine evidence management with other duties, such as records management or property room oversight. While requiring broader skills, these positions offer varied experience that is valuable for career growth.
Emerging Trends
Digital evidence management continues to grow as cybercrime increases. Specialists with computer skills and an understanding of digital evidence face excellent career prospects.
Body-worn camera footage and surveillance video create massive evidence storage challenges. Agencies require specialists who can effectively manage both physical and digital evidence.
Related Forensic Science Careers
Evidence management experience provides the foundation skills for various forensic science careers. Understanding these related paths helps plan long-term career development.
Crime Scene Investigator: CSIs collect and document evidence at crime scenes. Evidence specialists transitioning to CSI roles understand evidence requirements and the importance of the chain of custody. Median salary ranges from $50,000 to $75,000, depending on location.
Forensic Laboratory Technician: These professionals analyze evidence using scientific methods. Evidence specialists familiar with laboratory submission procedures have advantages when pursuing these positions. Advanced education in natural sciences is typically required.
Property Room Manager: Larger agencies employ dedicated managers for property and evidence facilities. These positions combine evidence management with administrative duties, such as budgeting and personnel management. Salaries typically exceed standard specialist positions by 15-20%.
Digital Forensics Examiner: A Growing field focusing on electronic evidence from computers, phones, and digital devices. Evidence specialists can transition with additional training in computer forensics. High demand drives salaries above traditional evidence roles.
For comprehensive information about forensic science careers and salaries, visit our crime scene investigator salary guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between an evidence specialist and a CSI?
Evidence specialists manage evidence after collection, focusing on storage, documentation, and the chain of custody. CSIs actively collect evidence at crime scenes. While CSIs work in the field, evidence specialists primarily work in controlled environments within evidence rooms.
Do evidence specialists need to carry firearms?
Most evidence specialist positions are civilian roles that don’t require firearms. However, some agencies employ sworn officers as evidence specialists, particularly in supervisory positions. Requirements vary by agency and specific position.
How long does it take to become certified?
IAPE certification requires one year of full-time experience, plus completion of a 40-hour training program. The total timeline from starting employment to certification typically ranges from 12 to 18 months, depending on the availability of training.
Can I work as an evidence specialist with a criminal record?
Most agencies require clean criminal backgrounds for evidence positions due to court testimony requirements and the need for secure access to evidence. Minor violations may be considered on a case-by-case basis, but felony convictions typically disqualify candidates.
Is evidence specialist work dangerous?
Evidence specialist work involves minimal physical danger compared to field law enforcement. Primary risks include exposure to biohazards, chemicals, and sharp objects. Proper training and the use of protective equipment minimize these risks.
What software skills do evidence specialists need?
Modern evidence management relies heavily on specialized software systems. Specialists need proficiency in evidence tracking databases, digital photography software, and standard office applications. Agencies typically provide specific system training.
How stressful is evidence management work?
Evidence management requires extreme attention to detail and carries significant responsibility. Mistakes can impact criminal cases. However, the controlled environment and regular schedule create less stress than field law enforcement positions.
Key Takeaways
Evidence specialists serve as crucial links in the criminal justice system, ensuring physical evidence maintains integrity from the crime scene to the courtroom. With median salaries of $67,440 nationally and strong job security, this career offers stable employment for detail-oriented individuals interested in forensic science.
Success in this field requires formal education, typically an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or forensic science. Professional certification through IAPE demonstrates expertise and enhances career advancement opportunities.
Geographic location has a significant impact on both salary and employment opportunities. While states like California offer the highest salaries, cost-of-living adjustments make states like Ohio and Michigan attractive alternatives.
The evolving nature of evidence, particularly digital evidence, creates ongoing learning opportunities and career growth potential. Evidence specialists who embrace technology and maintain current certifications position themselves for advancement in this essential field of forensic science.
Ready to start your forensic science career? Connect with accredited criminal justice and forensic science programs that prepare you for evidence specialist positions. Request information from multiple schools to compare program options and find the best fit for your career goals.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Forensic Science Technicians reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed September 2025.
